Trena's Letter

Dear Trena,

You are going to be fine! You have allowed yourself to scream, to cry, to get angry, to accept, and to question. Now it’s time to continue living. For 68 years, you survived all the unexpected bumps in your road of life—and this bump is no different.

When you first heard the “C” word, you didn’t absorb much of what the doctor said after that, but even in your daze you asked for a notepad. You were able to look back on your notes later and ask questions. Continue that habit.

You are a single woman living alone, but you are not alone. Your brother and his family rally around you, and your new boyfriend will stay to comfort you. Your visits to the pharmacy increase, and soon almost every clerk in the store knows you by name.

Stay focused and become your own advocate. Raise awareness by speaking freely about your experience. You will discover people are interested in better understanding cancer. Shed yourself of negativity and complaints, even if it means letting go of people that were close friends. Go on with your life—working, going to the gym, volunteering, having lunch with friends, getting that mani-pedi.

Trena, you are confident in your ability to come out of this in the most positive way, and that attitude will guide you to the best outcome.

Show Your Support

When you share this website on your social media channels, this organization will receive a $5 donation from
Merck, up to a set amount. Thank you for your support and for spreading the word about the resources available
to the cancer community.